HTPC Linux Packages

**thedrklion** · December 9th, 2009, 05:11 PM

What additional Linux packages are a must for a Boxee HTPC?
Linux noob speaking so add their functionality so i know what they do.

**mangafish** · December 9th, 2009, 05:20 PM

Why exactly do you need to know?

I ask because if you're a complete Linux noobie then surely it would make more sense running Boxee on Ubuntu or Xubuntu - thus you wouldn't need to worry about what packages Boxee depends upon?

**thedrklion** · December 9th, 2009, 06:26 PM

Let me rephrase that.
What additional packages are people running on their machines to aid in creating a solid linux box running boxee.

For example:
LIRC - for IR / RF interface with the machine.

**newcolour** · December 9th, 2009, 07:54 PM

Boxee has already everything in it. You won't need any package to properly run boxee. However, depending on your HTPC, you may need to tweak your linux installation to make things run more smoothly (e.g. 1080 full hd needs properly configured drivers on intel cards, and so forth).

Post your HTPC specs and your issues (if any) and we will try and help you.

Cheers!
S.

**mangafish** · December 10th, 2009, 01:58 AM

Originally Posted by thedrklion

Let me rephrase that.
What additional packages are people running on their machines to aid in creating a solid linux box running boxee.

For example:
LIRC - for IR / RF interface with the machine.

Linux isn't like Windows where it expects the users to go out and install packages required to optimize performance.
If Boxee / Linux requires a package - it will install it when you come to install it while the main application is installing.

The only thing you need to worry about is if you want to install open source drivers or the hardware manufacturers propitiatory ones - and to find that out all you need to do is run Boxee and if you find the display is sluggish, then try different display drivers (etc).

**sdnick484** · December 11th, 2009, 03:33 PM

Here's a list of some other good media related open source apps (note they're not necessarily related to Boxee, but I do have them on my Linux media PC):

Audio
Amarok -- An amazing audio player, especially the older 1.4 version (the 2.1 version is alright)
Audacity -- An audio editor similar to Cool Edit, great for making clips, etc.
Music Player Daemon -- The server portion of a client-server music player. Since my PC is connected to my stereo, I play music via MPD and control the playlist either over the web or in apps (there's ones for the iPod Touch, Windows Mobile, every major OS, etc.).

Video
XBMC -- The project Boxee is based on. Less social than Boxee, but still a great app.
Miro (formerly Democracy Player) -- Similar in concept to Boxee, uses a torrent backend and focuses on online content

There's quite a few others, but these are ones I run more frequently. Other music players to check out if you don't like Amarok 2.1 and can't get 1.4 to install are Songbird (based on XULRunner, so similar to Firefox) and Listen Project (a gnome competitor to Amarok).

**newcolour** · December 11th, 2009, 03:37 PM

Originally Posted by sdnick484

There's quite a few others, but these are ones I run more frequently. Other music players to check out if you don't like Amarok 2.1 and can't get 1.4 to install are Songbird (based on XULRunner, so similar to Firefox) and Listen Project (a gnome competitor to Amarok).

There is also Rhythmbox. It has become really amazing! Give it a try.

Cheers,
S.

**thedrklion** · December 21st, 2009, 12:14 AM

Thanks for the help. New to Linux, now running ubuntu 9.10. seeking to create a truly kickass HTPC and see how Linux will hold up against windows 7 hooked up to a 47' flat screen.
Just got the machine and loading up the goods bit by bit.
Any more software to try out?
I would love to hear what other htpc owners run in Linux for media control, Upnp, etc.
Have been with ubuntu for under a week ...

**ignatiusmael** · December 22nd, 2009, 03:46 AM

Hey everyone,
I've got a couple of HTPCs now which I intend to install the January beta build of Boxee on.
I'd love to have a Boxee badge for my HTPC case, like intel provide with their CPUs... Any designers out there up for making a cool one?
Anyone know any web-sites in the UK which will print case badges?

**newcolour** · December 22nd, 2009, 05:02 AM

Originally Posted by ignatiusmael

Hey everyone,
I've got a couple of HTPCs now which I intend to install the January beta build of Boxee on.
I'd love to have a Boxee badge for my HTPC case, like intel provide with their CPUs... Any designers out there up for making a cool one?
Anyone know any web-sites in the UK which will print case badges?

Neat idea. Careful on the copyright, though. You don't want moderators of this forum coming after you, don't you? :P

Cheers,
S.